Best Bath Remodel, Award by KCH&G Magazine, “Before” and “After” Photos

“Sexy.”  That was the direction I was asked to take the design of this bath remodel (See the “BEFORE” below).  “Clean, white, bright, and some bling!” is what she asked for.  It was to have great storage and some unusual elements.  Our aim was clear.

Once again, Clay Lyon of Lyon Construction did a fantastic job with his crews at applying all of the finishes I chose.

"BEFORE" A small, dated and awkward layout of 2 closets and 2 bathrooms.

"BEFORE" A small, dated and awkward layout of 2 closets and 2 bathrooms.

I give you...Sexy.

The tiles I chose were so fun to design with.

Many people don’t understand what a designer does for a remodel or new construction.  For example, on this bath, I chose each tile’s style, color and size, where it was to go and how it is to be installed.  We chose the cabinets, size, color, finish.  We found the legs and had those installed.  The shower…what doors was it to have?  To the ceiling?  What faucets and shower heads?  Where in the shower?  What should we do on each wall?  What type of lighting should be enough and where should it go?  What type of tub, faucets, counter top, sink, their faucets?  Etc…

I love the wallpaper in the above shot.  It is glass beads on vinyl.  I had the wallpaper hanger split it in half length-wise and hang it horizontally for a unique look.  Under the cabinets, we has lighting installed as a “night light” for safer trips in the middle of the night.

Can you see the beading on the wallpaper and the subtle metallic flecks in the counter top?  Gorgeous, but not too much.

After a job well done: Myself with the contractor, Clay Lyon of Lyon Construction.

A briefing on the project by KCH&G magazine.

“Before, During and After” Photos, A Black And Silver Master Bedroom

WHAT, OH WHAT, HAD THE CLIENT BEEN DREAMING OF?

There is nothing more fabulous than someone who know what kind of bedroom they want…a gorgeous one!  This client loves black high contrasts in color.  Like a classic car, the colors were to be black and silver.  We needed slick design with storage bigger than a glove box and a clean, simple elegance…not too much “stuff” if you know what I mean.

So everything had to change.

"Before"

"Before"

"Before"

PART OF THE PLANNING:

Upon finding the most amazing stripe fabric in black with champagne/silver stripes, I designed this dramatic headboard for the client.  My pencil sketch is below.

***Why simply stripe a piece of furniture when you can add to the complexity, make your upholsterer a little crazy and take the room to the next level?

My illustration to communicate to the upholsterer how I wanted the stripe to appear on the custom headboard.***

THE PLAN COMES TOGETHER:

Installation days are always crazy fun.  This particular day, there were 5 of us respecting the space.  There is nothing more satisfying than working along with such professionals with all of us driven toward the exact same goal…to make the room perfect!

"During" Drapes and rods going up.

"During" Time to begin assembling and making the bed with custom designed bedding.

"During" The headboard begins to make it's way onto the wall.

"During" The guys just brought this piece in. It is magnificent! I should have taken a shot of the inside...you would melt with the velvet lined drawers. I have marked where the TV and sconces are to be hung.

"During" The chandelier goes up in front of the new silver drapes.

DRUM ROLL…..THE DREAM IS HERE:

Finally!  After a long day, you can see the fruits of all the labor.  Months of planning come down to this moment as we now get to enjoy it and stand behind the camera.  It is a beautiful thing.

What did this Client have to say?  Well, she LOVED it!  She went on and on.  Her friends went on and on.  Her family went on and on.  I could go on and on with how pleased she and her husband were with the results and that is what matters to me.  I never really “leave” a job.  I am there if anything ever comes up and to make sure they are 110% thrilled.  I hate to leave, but it is time to continue with the next design spinning in my head….

****What do YOU think of this space?  I would love to hear!  What is your dream bedroom?  Everyone’s is very different and that is what makes each one so great.

"After"

"After" A glorious fabric contrast...unexpected.

"After" The silk drapes are so luxurious with a strong hand.

"After" The hand-carved detail at the top is really something and so very special. I love the space between the upholstered fabric and the carved wood. Did they get the stripe right off of my sketch?

"After" Yes! The fabric on the very custom headboard looks just like my sketch. Striking is the word! Custom silver leaf side tables with plenty of storage.

"After" The diamond studded fabric on the shams add sparkle and catch the sun. Luxury.

"After"

"After" A dramatic finish. The piece looks so spectacular. This photo simply doesn't do it justice...or any part of this room justice!

"After" Such a fantastic finish on this piece. That is a huge way to tell the difference in quality on a piece...the finish.

"After" How wonderful to take a bath with this chandelier on the dimmer. Sparkle and shimmer to relax the day away.

"After" The drapes are the perfect length to add drama, beauty and keep clear of stray bubbles. They are lined to not let light in for a peaceful night's sleep.

"After" Bubbles over bubbles...

Make it fab!

-Jill

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**Got a question?  I’m listening….  Ask by making a comment here!

Tell me what’s on your mind.  I love hearing from you!

Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

Jill Tran is a Kansas City Interior Designer and creates beautiful, custom interiors for her interior design clients in Kansas City and clients around the country.

Contact Jill

Art To Evoke Both Sides Of The Mind: Part III

There is nothing I love more than fabulous art.  I am addicted to all kinds and love depth and meaning in them…pieces that make you think or feel.  I prefer to be moved on the left and right side of my brain to think, “Why?” and then care about the answer.  But don’t get me wrong, odd pieces can be great fun.

In the world of modern contemporary art, I think layering is essential.  It can separate the men from the boys, if you will.  Just as it took time to layer the earth to create a living masterpiece, it takes time to layer great art.

To follow are pieces created by a family of painters.  I find them very beautiful.  Can you guess who may have painted what?

If you want more info, give me a shout!

See More Great Art in Part  I of this 3-Part blog series.

Make it fab!

-Jill

Click here to DISCOVER ALL OF JILL’S LATEST BLOGS FULL OF GREAT DESIGN, TIPS AND INSPIRATION

Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

Jill Tran is a Kansas City Interior Designer and creates beautiful, custom interiors for her interior design clients in Kansas City and clients around the country.

Contact Jill

Art To Evoke Both Sides Of The Mind: Part II

There is nothing I love more than fabulous art.  I am addicted to all kinds and love depth and meaning in them…pieces that make you think or feel.  I prefer to be moved on the left and right side of my brain to think, “Why?” and then care about the answer.  But don’t get me wrong, odd pieces can be great fun.

In the world of modern contemporary art, I think layering is essential.  It can separate the men from the boys, if you will.  Just as it took time to layer the earth to create a living masterpiece, it takes time to layer great art.

To follow are pieces created by a family of painters.  I find them very beautiful.  Can you guess who may have painted what?

If you want more info, give me a shout!

See More Great Art in Part  III of this 3-Part blog series.

Make it fab!

-Jill

Click here to DISCOVER ALL OF JILL’S LATEST BLOGS FULL OF GREAT DESIGN, TIPS AND INSPIRATION

Got a comment?  Reaction?  Question?  Interior Design question…WWJD? (What Would Jill Do)

Tell me what’s on your mind.  I love hearing from you!

Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

Jill Tran is a Kansas City Interior Designer and creates beautiful, custom interiors for her interior design clients in Kansas City and clients around the country.

Contact Jill

Art To Evoke Both Sides Of The Mind: Part I

There is nothing I love more than fabulous art.  I am addicted to all kinds and love depth and meaning in them…pieces that make you think or feel.  I prefer to be moved on the left and right side of my brain to think, “Why?” and then care about the answer.  But don’t get me wrong, odd pieces can be great fun.

In the world of modern contemporary art, I think layering is essential.  It can separate the men from the boys, if you will.  Just as it took time to layer the earth to create a living masterpiece, it takes time to layer great art.

To follow are pieces created by a family of painters.  I find them very beautiful.  Can you guess who may have painted what?

If you want more info, give me a shout!

See More Great Art in Part  II of this 3-Part blog series.

Make it fab!

-Jill

Click here to DISCOVER ALL OF JILL’S LATEST BLOGS FULL OF GREAT DESIGN, TIPS AND INSPIRATION

Got a comment?  Reaction?  Question?  Interior Design question…WWJD? (What Would Jill Do)

Tell me what’s on your mind.  I love hearing from you!

Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

Jill Tran is a Kansas City Interior Designer and creates beautiful, custom interiors for her interior design clients in Kansas City and clients around the country.

Contact Jill

Art For Friday

Anyone who knows me, knows I love art.  I don’t know what it is, but it stirs me all up.  I have painted many pieces myself and loved it so.   Because of that when I study a piece, I enjoy thinking about the artist and how they felt in the middle of creating their art.  Joy, frustration, doubt, happiness, grief, enjoyment?

These are pieces from a recent trip I took to the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.  The info on the piece, follows the piece.  Let your mind go, check out their other pieces on the links and happy, joyful Friday to you!

Franz Kline:

Mark Rothko:

Neil Welliver:

Wayne Thiebaud:

Fairfield Porter:

Richard Diebenkorn:

Make it fab!

-Jill

Click here to view Jill’s newest tips, advice and inspiration

Got a comment?  Reaction?  Question?  Interior Design question…WWJD? (What Would Jill Do)

Tell me what’s on your mind.  I love hearing from you!

Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

Jill Tran is a Kansas City Interior Designer and creates beautiful, custom interiors for her interior design clients in Kansas City and clients around the country.

Contact Jill

More NYC Apartment “BEFORE” and “AFTER” Photos

There is nothing more fun to me than New York City.  The lights, the people, the design.  It is so exciting!

These NYC clients of ours wanted a fun and funky space.  Greens, blues and black…almost a mod look.  They needed a place other than the master bedroom for guest to sleep and wanted the space to be bright and sunny.  I give you, our New York…mod!

Click here to view the first blog in which I shared this apartment with you.  There you can see more “BEFORE” and “AFTER” photos of the kitchen, hall and landing of this cool apartment.

"BEFORE"

"DURING"

"AFTER"

"AFTER"

"AFTER"

"BEFORE"

"AFTER"

WANT TO SEE THE OTHER “BEFORE” AND “AFTERS OF THIS SAME APARTMENT?

Click here to view the first blog in which I shared this apartment with you.  There you can see the kitchen, hall and landing of this cool apartment.

Make it fab!

-Jill

Click here to view Jill’s newest tips, advice and inspiration

Share your comments?  Reactions?  Questions?

Tell me what’s on your mind.  I love hearing from you!

Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

Contact Jill
Jill Tran is a Kansas City Interior Designer and creates beautiful, custom interiors for Kansas City Interior Design clients and clients around the country.

New York Apartment, Before And After

There is nothing more fun to me than New York City.  The lights, the people, the design.  It is so exciting!

These clients of ours wanted a fun and funky space.  Greens, blues and black…almost a mod look.  They needed a place other than the master bedroom for guest to sleep and wanted the space to be bright and sunny.  I give you, New York…mod!

"DURING"

"DURING"

"AFTER"

"BEFORE"

"AFTER"

"AFTER"

"AFTER"

"AFTER"

"AFTER"

Click here to view the second blog in which I share this apartment with you.  There you can see more “BEFORE” and “AFTER” photos of the living room and bedroom of this cool apartment.

Make it fab!

-Jill

Click here to view Jill’s newest tips, advice and inspiration

Got a comment?  Reaction?  Question?  Interior Design question…WWJD? (What Would Jill Do)

Tell me what’s on your mind.  I love hearing from you!

Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

Contact Jill

Jill Tran is a Kansas City Interior Designer and creates beautiful, custom interiors for Kansas City Interior Design clients and clients around the country.

A Million Grains Of Inspiration

Being a designer, one of the things I crave in life is creativity, inspiration and joy from looking at beauty, art and design.  You will find I talk quite a bit about art and will go to a museum any time I can…though that never seems to be near as often as I would like.  At the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City recently, I turned the corner to find this…

I was ahhh struck…both at it’s size and its simplicity.  I wanted to stand there forever.  This exhibit brings a peacefulness, a calm inside you.  While simplistic in it’s concept, it is joyful.  It carries the Wabi-Sabi rule to a tee, which is something I find fantastic.  It is texture, scale and pattern woven through the feeling of endless beauty.  If you missed Without Place-Without Time-Without Body by Wolfgang Laib in the amazing Bloch Building at the Nelson while it was on exhibition, please study these photos a bit more…it filled the room.  wow.

You can barely see the yellow pollen mounds amongst the rice on the very top photo here.  There are five of them on the left side, about 1/4 of the way down and roughly 5 columns in.

Make it fab!

-Jill

Click here to view Jill’s newest tips, advice and inspiration

Got a comment?  Reaction?  Question?  Interior Design question…WWJD? (What Would Jill Do)

Tell me what’s on your mind.  I love hearing from you!  Click on “Comment” below.

Photos:  Jill Tran Interior Design and Co.

Contact Jill

Jill Tran is a Kansas City Interior Designer and creates beautiful, custom interiors for Kansas City Interior Design clients and clients around the country.

Before You Move Art Into Your Home, It Should Move You

People ask me all the time about how to select art for their home.  I have one answer, it must “move” you!

I am not a big believer that art must “match” a room.  One thing I love in a great interior design, is when art stands on it’s own.  It makes a statement.  It tells us something about the owner.  We, as humans, are all multi-dimensional and our art and rooms should reflect who we are.

The photos below are a small series of me looking at a piece I fell in love with at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.  It is privately owned piece by the Kemper family created by Joan Mitchell, is an oil on canvas and untitled…so I guess I won’t be bringing it home (I am wiping a tear…).  I think it is spectacular.  To someone else, it may be the opposite.  Yet, it was teaching me something about myself and what I naturally am drawn to, so the next piece I purchase may be a little different. That is what makes art so great.  Art influences us and makes us feel something.   Doubtful there will ever be one piece everyone will like…and I love that.

The basic bottom lines for choosing art is to purchase only what you love.  If it “haunts” you after you have seen it, then it should be yours (unless the Kemper’s already own it, ha!)  Don’t just purchase to fill a space, fill your soul.

There are many other things to consider when purchasing art of which I will touch on soon.  Stay tune and keep your eyes open for your next great piece.